The HDR-FX1 is impressive to look at. The lens is threaded (to let you add a wide-angle lens adapter, for example) with a filter diameter of 72 mm. It has two graduated manual rings of the kind you generally see only on professional equipment: the first is for focusing, and the second operates the zoom, with built-in stops. There's a carrying handle that lets you film at ground level or set the camera on your knee for interviews. The LCD display is large, measuring about 3.5" diagonally (9 cm) and featuring 250,880 pixels - a record for an LCD of this type. It displays in 16:9 natively - meaning no black bands - and is located towards the front of the handle, which is also an innovation.